Overcoming the Most Common Decorating Stumbling Blocks

The number of people who can afford to hire an interior decorator to help design their home is few and far between nowadays. So if you are looking for some simple tips and tricks from the experts on how best to design your home and bring out all its potential, look no further!

• Size it up
Before you even consider new furniture or a new layout for your room, get out that measuring tape and log the dimensions of the space you are looking to decorate. You would be amazed how many people end up buying furniture for their home without checking if it will fit first. A great tip is to search for free online programs that can help you build a 3D version of your space so you can more easily visualize your modern designer furniture and the changes you might like to make.

• Bust that clutter
A decorating project is a fantastic opportunity to rid your home of clutter and unnecessary objects. When reorganizing, keep it simple by taking it one room or even one closet at a time. Make bundles for "keep," "toss" and "donate." Be ruthless - if you haven't used it, worn it and/or it holds no sentimental value then get rid of it. Unless you clear the clutter you won't be able to open up your room and home to its full potential.

• Forget fashion - trust your instincts
Now that you have prepared your space for your decorating project, you'll start researching your options for new urban furniture and accessories online or in store. A great way to get a better vision of your likes and dislikes is to have a decorating folder where you can add clippings of styles, images, or catalogs that you like and would want to emulate in your home. Use this style book to help you select your new furniture. Don't be swayed by the latest colors, trends or "in" designs - trust your style instincts for what will work best for you and your home, rather than something that could fall out of style in a year or two.

• Simple is best
Keep things simple when decorating your room or home. Use bright and simple colors that enhance the room's natural elements and convey the feel you want to create in the space. Try out samples and swatches before committing to painting an entire room and view the colors in different lights and at different times of day to make sure it's the right one for you. Try to limit your wood/veneer colors to one or two, to create a simple, coordinated look.

• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
One of the most common stumbling blocks when people decorate is forgetting to add those all-important finishing touches with accessories that will really make your house a home. Accessories are such an inexpensive way to change the look of your room seasonally or just to spruce it up when you're looking for a change. Soften the look of wood floors with a rug in a color that will brighten up your room. Cluster unique vases together to create a mini-gallery of design on open shelf space. Add lamps so you can create warmth and coziness at nighttime. Play with different designs and colors until you find the perfect fit for your room.

Use these simple tips as guidelines before you start your next decorating project and you're sure to create a space that reflects your style and personality perfectly.

With 15+ years experience in concept development, marketing strategies, design and franchise, Tina Pilgaard, is a specialist in discovering new areas of growth for companies of all sizes. Currently working at BoConcept, an urban furniture store, she enjoys working with modern contemporary furniture.